Lilian Ruth Castellani Fernandez
Departed this life on June 10th, 2025. Lilian was the loving and devoted wife of Francisco Fernandez; the beloved mother of Gonzalo (Anne), Diego (Jeanne) and Frankie (Erica); the loving Abuela to Lola, Ella, Cece, Sophia, Jack, Rose, Izzy and Addy. Although separated by continents for most of their life, she was the soul mate of her beloved twin sister Mabel “Coca” Castellani and the loving aunt of Tago and Damian DePietro, together with his wife Sol and their son Sebastian.
Lilian was born in Mendoza, Argentina to Espartaco and Lola Castellani. She studied law at the University of Cordoba and married her childhood sweetheart, Francisco Fernandez, who had just graduated from medical school. They moved together to the United States with their one-year-old son, Gonzalo, so that Frank could complete his residency program. Two more sons came, Diego and Franky, and although Lilian would always hold a place in her heart for her homeland and family abroad, she found herself happily settled into a new life in her adopted homeland. Lilian raised her children in Our Lady of Lourdes parish in University City where she made lifelong friends and memories. Her Catholic faith was an important and central part of her life and she remained a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Lilian received a master’s degree in political science from St. Louis University and her law degree from Washington University. She had always had a passion for politics and global affairs and dedicated her professional life to helping new immigrants to our country. She was hired by Armstrong Teasdale to start up their immigration law practice and thrived in her role as a fearless advocate for immigrants and mentor to young lawyers. Lilian had an authentic warmth and energy that drew people to her, and made her lifelong friends wherever she landed. Despite all her accomplishments, Lilian was above all else a loving, dedicated and selfless mother, wife, sister, daughter and aunt who loved nothing more than simply spending time with her family and friends. She has joined her beloved family members that have gone before her and will be missed by those she has left behind.
Services: Visitation and Memorial Mass will be held Monday, July 28th at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 7148 Forsyth Blvd. Visitation at 10:00 a.m. with the Mass to follow at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the MICA project: www.mica-project.org.
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